Woman Duped of ₹32 Crore in Six-Month ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam

November 17, 2025 — A staggering sum of approximately ₹32 crore has been lost by a 57-year-old Bengaluru woman in a highly sophisticated “digital arrest” scam. The victim, an MNC executive, was subjected to a coercive ordeal lasting over six months, during which she was held under constant surveillance via video calls by fraudsters impersonating CBI officers.

Key Details in Passive Voice:

• Financial Loss: Approximately ₹32 crore was allegedly lost by the woman.
• The Scam: The victim was duped through a “digital arrest” scheme by fraudsters posing as high-ranking officials.
• Duration of Ordeal: For over six months, the woman was kept under continuous surveillance.
• Method of Control: Constant monitoring was enforced via video calls, specifically on Skype.
• Coercion and Transfers: She was coerced into making as many as 187 bank transfers after being threatened with arrest and family implications.
• Initial Contact: The scam was initiated by a call from an individual claiming to be from DHL, who alleged that a parcel containing illegal items had been booked in her name.
• Impersonation: The call was quickly transferred to individuals who were identified by the scammers as senior CBI and RBI Financial Intelligence Unit officers.
• False Assurances: She was made to believe that her name would be cleared and her funds returned after the ‘verification’ process was completed.
• Formal Complaint: A police complaint has since been registered against the cybercrime syndicate, and an investigation is being carried out.

This alarming case highlights how effective cybercrime syndicates have become at using intimidation and false authority to exploit victims, even compelling compliance during a period of serious illness for the victim.